Two Republican state legislators penned a letter to Robert Hammond[5], Colorado’s Commissioner of Education, concerned about a political flier included in a Brighton high school’s back-to-school packets.

State Sen. Nancy Spence of Centennial and Rep. Tom Massey of Poncha Springs, voiced concern when it was confirmed that one of the fliers — passed out at Prairie View High School — was an endorsement of Sen. Rollie Heath[6]’s, D-Boulder, proposed ballot measure to raise state taxes.

A parent of one of the students who received the flier brought it to the public’s attention.

“School districts don’t intend to violate the law, but they are not always informed about what type of political information they can pass on to their parent communities,” said Spence. “I believe it is critical that each district fully understand the policies prohibiting such activities.”

Below is the letter in its entirety.

Dear Commissioner Hammond:

Last week the principal at Prairie View High School in Brighton’s district 27J sent out two political flyers as part of a back-to-school information packet for parents. One of the flyers was a promotion for Sen. Rollie Heath’s proposed ballot measure to raise state taxes. This has been confirmed by the district superintendent, Rod Blunck.

The flyer was brought to the public’s attention by a parent who received it. We have no way to know if similar political flyers have been included in packets sent to parents by other schools in Colorado.

We suggest that each summer, as back-to-school packets are prepared and back-to-school events planned, CDE remind all school district administrators of the existing policies prohibiting such practices. Moreover, should Sen. Heath’s proposal qualify for the November ballot, administrators may benefit from a reminder of state policies affecting political activity on school property.

Please let us know what actions you plan to take to discourage improper political activities by school administrators and school employees.